Plan Your Visit To The Block House

Visit the Block House. The Fort Pitt Block House was originally constructed in 1764 as a defensive redoubt for Fort Pitt, a key British fortification during the French and Indian War. As the Block House is the only surviving structure left of Fort Pitt, it holds much significance to Pittsburgh and the surrounding area. The oldest authenticated structure in Western Pennsylvania, the Block House is part of the National Historic Landmark of the Forks of the Ohio.

The Block House welcomes visitors year round. Operated as a historic site and small museum by the Fort Pitt Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, admission to the Block House is always free to the public. Tours for all groups and ages are available, for more information or to schedule a tour, email us or call 412-471-1764.

Be sure to leave time during your visit to the Block House to enjoy the Edith Ammon Memorial Garden. Nestled in one corner of the grounds surrounding the Block House, the Edith Ammon Memorial Garden features wide pathways and attractive gardens of native plants culminating in a sandstone and bronze memorial to Edith Ammon, who served as the Regent of the Pittsburgh DAR Chapter for ten years and as the president of the board of directors for the Fort Pitt Society for over a decade. Edith was instrumental in helping to protect the Block House from removal and possible demolition by the Pennsylvania Railroad in the early 1900s. The memorial is set on a plateau of bluestone featuring an etched rendering of Fort Pitt as depicted in 1795. Take advantage of the large sandstone benches in the garden to rest and reflect on all the history that took place here.

The Fort Pitt Block House is located in beautiful Point State Park in downtown Pittsburgh. In addition to the Block House, the park's many amenities include the Fort Pitt Museum, the magnificent Point Fountain, bike and walking trail connections and the delightful Café at the Point.

When planning your visit to the Fort Pitt Block House consider adding some other sites of historic or cultural interest to your trip. Whether visiting Pittsburgh for the first time or a long-time resident rediscovering the hidden treasures of your hometown, find out what's happening in the city by starting your planning at Visit Pittsburgh. Get a Visitors Guide, book your hotel or find a good restaurant. Learn more about the transformation of Pittsburgh's riverfronts at Riverlife and the vitality of the downtown Pittsburgh neighborhood at the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.

Block House Hours of Operation - 10:30 am to 4:30 pm (times subject to change)
November through March - Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday
April through October - Open Wednesday through Sunday

250th Anniversary

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Where Are We?

Trip Advisor

Fun Facts About Fort Pitt

Oldest Historical Site in Pittsburgh

The Block House is the oldest continuously operating historical site/museum in the City of Pittsburgh, opening to the public in July 1895. The Carnegie Museums are a close second, opening up months after the Block House site.

Special thanks to the Buhl Foundation for their generous support in the development of the Fort Pitt Block House website.

The Fort Pitt Block House is a private, nonprofit organization – donations to which are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. The official registration and financial information of the Fort Pitt Block House may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

Please note that the Fort Pitt Block House is registered with the IRS under the legal name Fort Pitt Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution of Allegheny County, PA. Copyright 2012-2019.